Ranking Eddie Howe’s Five January Transfer Window Signings For Newcastle United
As the 2022 winter transfer window opened Newcastle United found themselves in 19th position with just one win.
A spending spree of almost 100 million pounds has catapulted the Magpies to ninth place, and they may yet fly higher.
But which of these five signings has been Newcastle’s best piece of business?
5. Chris Wood
Not a terrible addition by any means, but questions have been asked over the Kiwi’s £27m pound fee, making him the third most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Managing two premier league goals in 14 appearances, Wood’s greatest asset hasn’t been his goalscoring.
Wood has completed almost double the arial duels per 90 of any other Newcastle player, and also leads in pressures in the attacking third.
4. Dan Burn
The £13.5m homecoming of Blyth-born ‘Big Dan Burn’ generated a great deal of buzz on Tyneside when he joined on transfer deadline day.
The 6ft7 centre back has been a constant presence in Newcastle’s newly solidified back four, winning over 60% of the games he has started in.
Newcastle have conceded 12 goals in the 12 games since Burn’s arrival, a vast improvement on the 43 that hit the back of the Magpies’ net in the 22 games before.
3. Matt Targett
The only player not brought in on a permanent deal, Targett arrived on a loan deal and has so far made 12 appearances.
Manager Eddie Howe has been very impressed with the left back’s ability, saying:
“Matt has done very well, there’s still games to play this season and decisions still to be fully formed but he’s performed very well and fit into the team and group very well. He’s been very consistent with his performances.”
2. Kieran Trippier
Due to a foot fracture sustained in the 1-0 victory over Aston Villa, in which he scored the winner; Trippier has only made four appearances so far.
Despite this, the statement of intent that arrived from Newcastle’s new owners signing of the La Liga champion and Euro 2020 finalist, is clear.
The right back’s world class ability was clear for all to see, revolutionising that back four in the minutes that he was able to pick up.
The full back is still fighting to be fully fit, but says he has to “take his time” due to the seriousness of the injury.
1 . Bruno Guimarães
The £38m Brazilian was in high demand across Europe’s top five league, and showed the ambition of the side.
While his acrobatic back-heel against Southampton and earning his brace in the 95th minute against Leicester, winning Newcastle the 3 points on both occasions, will grab the headlines; Bruno’s influence runs much deeper than that.
Since arriving Guimarães leads Newcastle player’s in a long list of statistics, including: goals, successful pressures and the distance he has carried the ball. It is only fellow signing Trippier who has gathered more touches per 90, as well as tackles and interceptions.
Bruno has become crucial to what Howe is trying to build at Newcastle, and, with six appearances for Brazil; the 24-year-old is only getting started.
